Some of these observations are not a surprise. For example, it seems logical to think one is more likely to outgrow mild asthma than to outgrow severe asthma.
The child who is allergic to furry pets and has furry pets is very unlikely to outgrow asthma.
The child who is not allergic and wheezes only with colds and viruses is more likely to outgrow asthma.

Like so many other aspects of asthma, these observations are just that—observations—and not a crystal ball that will predict with absolute certainty what will happen to a single child with asthma.
It was a bit of a surprise in this study to see that the use of anti-inflammatory medications did not improve the likelihood of curing asthma. Is that a reason to not use preventive medication or any medication at all? Absolutely not! The medications are proven to improve asthma control. That means less interrupted sleep, less missed school and work, less ER visits and hospitalizations, and less use of higher dose oral steroids which carry greater risk with long-term or frequent use.
It is certainly our hope that we will be able to either cure or prevent asthma altogether. But until that day, it is advisable to maintain good asthma control with the tools of trigger avoidance and medications.

Winter is often a time that people suffer with dry, red, itchy skin. Allergies may be responsible for the itching. The most common skin allergies include eczema, hives, and allergic contact dermatitis.

Eczema

Eczema (also commonly called atopic dermatitis) is more common in infants and small children, but can also affect older children and adults. In infants it often affects the face, the forearms and the thighs. In older children and adults the rash usually affects the crease behind the elbows and knees, but it can affect other areas as well.
Triggers can include allergens (like pets and dust mites), irritants (like wool), excessive dryness (like using deodorant soaps), overheating and sweating, and emotional stress.

Preventing the itch is one of the main goals in treatment. Lubrication of the skin is the most important treatment. Antihistamines are often used to suppress the itch, and topical medications such as topical steroids and other anti-inflammatory medications can be used. In severe cases, oral steroids like prednisone are needed.

Hives and angioedema

Hives are red, raised, and terribly itchy. They come and go in a matter of minutes to hours. They do not affect a single area of the skin—they move around! Although they can be caused by allergy to foods, medications, insect bites and stings, and even rarely airborne allergens, they most often occur for no particular reason at all. Even though a cause cannot always be found, we can always provide some degree of relief with treatment. And the best news is that they always eventually just go away.

Angioedema is a swelling that occurs in deeper layers of the skin. For that reason, it often feels different than the itch from hives. It often occurs with hives, but sometimes occurs alone. It often affects the eyelids, lips, face, tongue, hands or feet. It can also be triggered by allergies, but like hives, sometimes occurs randomly. Testing and treatment to provide relief is readily available.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is often not only itchy, but sometimes painful. It is red, blistery, and fixed in one location where the responsible allergen came in contact with the skin. Because there is often a lag of one or two days between contact and the appearance of the rash, the cause is not always obvious. We can provide testing to try to find the culprit, and we can offer relief with treatment.

If you or someone you know has been suffering with skin allergies, please contact us. We would love to help.

• Identify the Source of Your Suffering: Finding out what triggers your allergy and asthma symptoms is an essential first step. If you’re not sure, make an appointment to see an allergist, who can identify the source of your suffering and help stop it.
• Wash the Tree Before Trimming: Terpene is a potential allergen found in the oil or sap of live Christmas trees, evergreen wreaths and garlands. Mold also can reside on trees, and pollen is commonly found on junipers and cedar evergreens. Use a leaf blower in a well-ventilated area to remove some of the pollen from live trees and decorations. Wash the tree, especially the trunk, outdoors with a garden hose and leave in a bucket of water in the garage or on a covered porch to dry. Wear gloves when handling the tree to avoid contact with sap.Artificial trees also may harbor dust and mold. Wash them outside as well to help remove allergy triggers. When storing an artificial tree and decorations for next year, place them in airtight bags or containers.
• Let it Snow… Outside: While the artificial snow contained in aerosol cans helps bring the outdoor ambience in, these sprays can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. Also be wary of scented candles, scented items including potpourri and wood-burning fireplaces. Your best bet is to avoid using these items if they trigger symptoms.
• Deck the Halls… After a Good Dusting: Menorahs, ornaments and other holiday decorations stored in attics and basements during the off-season often gather dust and mold that can cause an allergic reaction when they are removed from storage and readied for use. Clean each item thoroughly before decking the halls, dining room or tree. When packing these items away, store them in airtight containers to minimize dust and reduce your prep time next year.
• Plan Ahead for Healthy Travel: Traveling for the holidays has its challenges, but there are several things you can do to keep asthma and allergies in control whether you’re on the road, on board or at your destination. Talk to an allergist before you depart to identify preventive and emergency relief strategies. Pack your medications in your carry-on bag so they’ll always be there for you at a moment’s notice. If you’re allergic to dust, consider bringing your own pillow and mattress covers. Early morning and late evening travel, when air quality is generally better and traffic is lighter, also may be helpful. When renting a car, be sure to request one in which no one has smoked.
• Chill Out: Stress makes it harder for your immune system to do its job. Take time to decompress and stay on schedule with any allergy and asthma medications to prevent symptoms from interfering with holiday fun.
• Guard Against Flu: When people gather, viral illnesses such as the flu are more likely to be passed around..

As with the regular, seasonal flu, people with allergies and asthma should take prevention measures to avoid getting sick.

ASTHMA’S AFFECT

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the majority of pediatric deaths from H1N1 occurred in children with an underlying medical condition–in some cases asthma.

Children and adults with respiratory conditions such as asthma are more likely to experience serious health problems if they contract the flu. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) urges all patients with asthma to get the H1N1 vaccine in addition to the regular seasonal flu vaccine.

IS IT AN ALLERGY OR IS IT THE FLU?

Novel H1N1 and the seasonal flu are not the same, but have similar symptoms. Some allergy symptoms may also be confused for flu symptoms. For parents of children with asthma or allergies, telling the difference between allergic disease symptoms and the seasonal flu or H1N1 may be a bit difficult.

Itchy eyes, a scratchy nose or sneezing are symptoms of allergies, but if your child suffers from asthma and develops a fever or nausea and vomiting, consult your physician.”

Here’s how to tell if you are suffering from allergies or something more severe

Allergy Symptoms

Runny Nose

Sneezing

Stuffiness

Itchy, watery eyes

Itchiness in the nose, mouth or throat

Flu Symptoms

Runny Nose

Coughing

Sore throat

Tiredness

Fever

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

Lack of appetite

FOOD ALLERGIES AND VACCINES

Vaccinations for both the seasonal flu and H1N1 are among the best prevention tools available to prevent complications from the flu. But what if you are allergic to a substance in the vaccines?

“Individuals with egg allergy may be at risk for an allergic reaction to H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines due to the egg content in the vaccine preparations,” reports Dr. Casale. “Before getting vaccinated, review the information posted on www.aaaai.org and consult with your health care provider. In most cases, vaccination can be tolerated if done according to these recommendations.”

IF YOU DO GET SICK

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with flu-like symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours after they are free of fever.

If you experience severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest pain/pressure, dizziness or persistent vomiting, seek emergency medical care.

KEEP INFORMED

The AAAAI offers a comprehensive library of resources on the novel H1N1 virus – especially as related to allergic diseases – including treatment recommendations, vaccine news, case studies and information for patients. Subscribe to the RSS feed to be notified of the latest updates as they happen.

AVOID CONTRACTING OR SPREADING THE FLU

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water

• Hand sanitizers may also be effective

• Use a tissue to cover your coughs and sneezes

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

• Stay home if you feel ill

• When possible, avoid close contact with sick people

• Obey school/business closures and other public health advisories

A new environment exposes students to different allergy and asthma triggers. The challenges of college life may add additional stress that can aggravate asthma. And, for those with food allergies, dining on campus can seem like a minefield.

These may seem like daunting hurdles to overcome. But with a little planning, teens can successfully transition from high school to college, and at the same time take a more active role in managing their health.

Steps to take
If they aren’t already doing so, now is the time for teens begin to take responsibility for managing their conditions. Here are some timely tips for the college-bound:

• When you arrive on campus, meet with staff (especially food service personnel and residence hall advisors) to develop a plan to control your allergies and asthma.
• Don’t take chances. Know what triggers your allergic disease and stay away from these allergens. Be aware of signs that you need to seek medical attention.
• Keep prescriptions filled and up-to-date. Always have your medications on hand, including your autoinjectable epinephrine and quick-relief inhaler.
• Consider talking to your friends and roommates about your allergies and asthma. Letting those close to you know about your health, and the signs of a medical emergency, can help you stay safe.
• If you are going away to college, it is important to find an allergist in the area you can contact if you need medical attention while at school. To locate an allergist near your campus, visit http://www.aaaai.org/physref/.

Taking control of your health and being prepared for emergencies will help you manage your asthma and allergies and give your parents some peace-of-mind.

DID YOU KNOW?

• There are approximately 17.5 million full- and part-time college students in the United States.
• About 9% of college students report having been diagnosed with asthma, according to the American College Health Association (ACHA).
• Twenty-two percent of college students have allergies, according to the ACHA.
• A recent study of college students with food allergies found that only 3.5% had informed campus dining services of their allergies.

To the Point

Studies have shown that young people are more likely than others to take risks with their health. For example, one study found that many young people with food allergies have eaten a food even though they know that it contains an allergen. For more information on allergies and asthma, please visit the Patients & Consumers Center of the AAAAI Web site, www.aaaai.org.